CSY Community,
Have you noticed a change in the weather this week? It's been cooler, the leaves have suddenly turned and farmers have begun to harvest their crops. Thanksgiving Day, a day we stop to give thanks for all that we have, is just weeks away. In the midst of this season many find themselves battling doubts, anxiety, frustration and sadness. Maybe this season reminds you of a loved one who is no longer with us in the flesh, or maybe you have experienced personal challenges related to health, politics, or the economic conditions of the present day. If you are feeling overcome, take heart, God is with you. He
loves you and He does not forsake you.
This week I found inspiration in the book of Habakkuk. Habakkuk is one of the shortest books of the Bible, consisting of only three chapters. The first verse beings with a question mark and the final verses end in exclamation points. From Chapter 1, verse 2, "How long, O Lord, must I call for help?" to Chapter 3, verses 17-19, "Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The sovereign Lord is my strength!"
What we find in this book, written by the prophet Habakkuk, is a series of complaints about a world that appears to be overtaken by evil and sin, and how can God allow this to happen? The book of Habakkuk challenges us to put our faith in God, even during the worst of times. But how do we do exercise that kind of faith? The Bible gives us many lessons on how to strengthen our faith, here are three that can help us, even in the midst of todays trials...
Wait patiently for God...read Philippians 4:6-7
Rejoice, even in hardship...read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Ask God for strength to endure...read Habakkuk 3:19
If your child, or even your family, is experiencing challenges and you would like someone to pray with you, please know you can reach out to me. We can lift you and your family up in prayer. We can engage prayer warriors to be praying for your needs. Or, if you desire, we can help connect you to a local church or church leader. We were not meant to navigate these challenges alone. As believers in Jesus Christ, we were meant to be in fellowship with other believers. If you have been disconnected from a church body, I encourage you, there is no better time than the present to become re-engaged with a local church.
This week's praises and updates:
Shout out to students in 1st and 2nd grade for harvesting over 18,000 pounds of potatoes during a recent service project at First Fruit Farms
High school students visited the state capitol to show support for School Choice
The first marking period ends this Friday, we will have an early dismissal
CSY is hosting a Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 10-11 am
Fall sports have come to a close, the winter sports season officially begins on Nov. 19
Positive feedback to our recent K-12 Fall Family Survey (see the summary of responses attached)
COVID-19 Weekly Update (attached)
College Fair will be held tomorrow, Oct. 28
In His Service,
R. Andrew Bell
Superintendent
Christian School of York